Rosacea (Rose Disease) and Nutrition Relationship
Rosacea, or rose disease as it is known among the public, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects especially the middle part of the face, with redness, vascular dilation (telangiectasia), acne-like swellings and inflammatory lesions. As Ankara Life Polyclinic, we encounter this disease frequently and hear the question "does nutrition affect rosacea?" from our patients. In this article, we will try to explain the answer to this question based on scientific data.

What Causes Rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea has not yet been fully elucidated. However, it is known that some genetic and environmental factors play a role.
These triggers include:

Sun rays (UV)

Extremely hot or cold weather

Spicy foods

Alcohol

Stress

Superficial microbial factors

Diet

How Does Nutrition Affect Rosacea?
1. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods such as hot peppers, cinnamon, and mustard are foods that are often blamed for rosacea flare-ups. These foods can trigger a condition called "neurogenic inflammation" in the skin, causing a sudden burning and reddening sensation.

The capsaicin substance in hot peppers in particular can increase this reaction.

???? Dr. Fatma Yıldız's suggestion: If you have rosacea, it may be beneficial to limit hot, spicy, and cinnamon-containing foods.

2. Histamine-Rich Foods
Fermented foods (cheese, kefir, sauerkraut), processed meat products, and some vegetables and fruits (such as tomatoes, eggplant, bananas, and kiwi) can trigger rosacea symptoms due to their histamine content.

3. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can increase redness attacks, especially because it dilates the vessels on the face. White wine and liqueur consumption in particular increases this risk.

Scientific research shows that rosacea complaints increase as alcohol consumption increases.

4. Vitamin B Supplements
Especially high doses of vitamins B6 and B12 can cause skin reactions that mimic rosacea in some individuals.
Niacin, a vitamin B3, can cause facial redness when taken in high doses, while the nicotinamide form has positive effects on the skin.

5. Hot Drinks
It is the temperature of coffee and tea, rather than their content, that can cause facial veins to dilate and trigger redness. In other words, the temperature of the drink, not the caffeine, is more important.

Conclusion: The Link Between Rosacea and Diet
It is difficult to say that there is a clear relationship between rosacea and nutrition. However, there are strong scientific clues that some foods and drinks can trigger rosacea.
Keeping a food diary and observing which foods affect you can be an important step in dealing with this chronic skin disease.

???? Suggestion from Dr. Fatma Yıldız: If you have rosacea, try to stay away from alcohol, spicy foods and hot drinks. If you use vitamin supplements, be sure to consult your doctor about their content.

Expert Support in Ankara for Rosacea Treatment
In rosacea treatment, not only creams applied to the skin surface are important; lifestyle and nutritional changes are also very important.
As Ankara Life Polyclinic, we make individual plans for rosacea treatment and aim to increase the quality of life of our patients.
The treatment plans carried out under the supervision of Dr. Fatma Yıldız aim to both protect your skin health and reduce relapses.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a rosacea diet?
No, there is no clear “rosacea diet”. However, some foods are known to be triggers.

Does cinnamon affect rosacea?
Yes, cinnamon can cause rosacea flare-ups in some patients.

Can I use vitamin supplements?
Supplements should not be taken without consulting a doctor. B6 and B12 can worsen rosacea in some people.

Dr. Fatma Yıldız – Ankara Life Polyclinic